Woman Accused Of Assaulting State Trooper During Bridgeport DUI Arrest

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 28-year-old Derby woman was arrested on multiple charges Saturday after she assaulted and spit at a Connecticut State Police trooper during a DUI incident on Route 8 in Bridgeport, according to authorities.

Jessica Reyes was arrested on the following charges:

• Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
• Improper Parking on Highway
• Interfering With an Officer/Resisting
• Assault on Public Safety Personnel (2 counts)

According to state police, the incident began just before midnight when the department was notified of an erratic driver southbound on Route 8 in Bridgeport. The witness reported that the vehicle had driven off the road and may have struck a concrete Jersey barrier.

"A responding Trooper located a black Jeep Liberty in the center median of Route 8 southbound near exit 7," state police wrote in a news release. "It was determined that the vehicle had not collided with the Jersey barrier, and the Trooper made contact with the operator to ascertain why the vehicle was parked in the center median."

The driver was identified as Reyes, and while speaking with her, the Trooper "observed multiple signs of impairment and requested [she] step out of her vehicle so as to administer Standardized Field Sobriety Testing."

As soon as Reyes stepped out of the vehicle, it became apparent that she was unsteady on her feet, according to state police.

"Upon moving to the rear of her vehicle, Reyes lost her balance and nearly fell over into the left lane of Route 8 southbound," state police said. "For her own safety, the Trooper took hold of Reyes to prevent her from being struck by passing traffic. In response, Reyes subsequently struck the Trooper in the chin with a closed fist. Reyes was then escorted to the ground, where she was placed in handcuffs and advised she was under arrest. While doing so, Reyes spit in the Trooper's face."

Reyes was later released after posting a $5,000 bond, and sheis scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on Feb. 24.